Milwaukee to bid for 2020 Democratic National Convention

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee leaders announced Wednesday an intent to bid for the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

“This is a very big day for the City of Milwaukee,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “We have wanted to make this bid for many years. With all of the progress and momentum our City has right now, this is the perfect moment for Milwaukee to rise on the national stage.”

National Party Conventions are among the largest events that happen in the United States every four years. The four day event usually attracts hundreds of workers, thousands of vendors and millions in revenue.

“Two years ago, the DNC Convention brought 54,000 people and $231 million dollars of economic activity to the City of Philadelphia. That’s the equivalent of hosting a Super Bowl,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “Hosting this convention should bring opportunities across the entire city, businesses big and small will have an opportunity to participate in this economic boon and share their wares with visitors to our city.”

“This is going to be an all hands on deck, bipartisan effort to land one of the largest events that is held in America every four years,” said Alex Lasry, Vice President of the Milwaukee Bucks. “This is Milwaukee’s opportunity to take its place on the international stage and show the world exactly who we are.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the world class facilities, business climate and opportunities that Milwaukee and Wisconsin have to offer,” said Tim Sheehy, President of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “This is one more way that Milwaukee will draw the eyes of world to see why this is such a great place to live, work and play.”

The City has been working for the past few months behind-the-scenes to prepare for the DNC's proposals. Cities usually express interest in late winter, send formal proposals in spring with DNC site visits in late summer.

The host city will likely be announced in Winter 2018 or Spring 2019.

Wisconsin has never hosted either major political parties' national convention.